Gail Abbey Sheffield's Obituary
Gail Abbey Sheffield, 73, peacefully passed away in the early mornings of August 8, 2019 at home after battling terminal cancer over the past three years.
She was born in Binghamton, New York to Walter Abbey and Virginia Grace Desotel Hotaling on April 17, 1946. As a child she lived a few years in Levittown and then Farmingdale, Long Island until October 1956 (Age 10). Her family relocated to Gainesville, Florida upon her father’s being hired at the University of Florida as an Engineering professor.
Gail is a graduate of Gainesville High School Class of 1964. During gym dance class, she met her high school sweetheart, Felton M. Sheffield, Sr., who she married in 1965. Felton’s family were pioneers of the State of Florida and were involved in shaping much of the history of several surrounding counties. Their daughter, Denise Sheffield Gunter, preceded her, passing in 2010. She is survived by her husband, Felton M Sheffield, Sr., son, Felton M Sheffield Jr. (Bif), sister, Annie Reutimann, and brothers, Jaye and Neil Abbey.
Gail and Felton were well known in the horticultural and landscaping community for running one of the oldest plant nurseries, Sheffield’s Nursery. Established in 1967, many of their plants and her landscape designs are seen throughout the community. She had a love for landscaping and floral design bringing an exceptional eye to any design.
After retiring and relocating to Alachua, Florida, she was able to devote extensive hours of research to her passion of genealogy. She traced both sides of the family as far back as it seems possible. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Colonial Dames, and Mayflower Society. She was an avid reader, loved to travel, and spending time with family and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at William-Thomas Funeral Home’s Downtown location (404 N. Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601). A viewing is scheduled at 1:00 pm with a service at 2:00 pm. Following is a graveside burial at the Hague Cemetery at the Corner of CR 237 & US 441 in Hague, between Gainesville and Alachua, Florida.
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